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1Yes, even a show as relentlessly [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVsCynicism cynical]] as this can have some Heartwarming moments.
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3'''As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked [[Administrivia/SpoilersOff as per policy.]] Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned.'''
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5* Malcolm telling the others that Sam got the potted plant in the office and without a hint of sarcasm or irony, tells the others what a great PA she is.
6* Glenn's breakdown under his co-workers constant badgering, where he insists that his ridiculous, thankless job is his ''life'', and that he's not a figure of fun. A moment later, Malcolm enlists him for the [[GambitPileup final showdown]] with Dan Miller and Nick Hanway: "I need a man--and you're a man". Finally, ButtMonkey Glenn gets some [[ThrowTheDogABone recognition]].
7** Even better is the utterly exasperated and frustrated look Malcolm has while Glenn is still ranting, because Malcolm absolutely ''knows'' where Glenn is coming from, there; He, too, is being cut out of the loop and being deprived of his 'ticks' and approvals for new motions. So for once, Malcolm actually ''sympathises'' with someone.
8** Robyn is quite sweet in that scene too, offering Glenn her chocolate and suggesting he goes for a run "because that releases endorphins."
9*** Malcolm gets another huge moment later in the episode. Glenn has run himself ragged keeping Hugh in the loop, and Hugh repays him by ignoring him and favouring Ollie when he finally calls back. Malcolm is the only one who recognises his loyalty, snapping at Ollie:
10----> "At least he's Hugh's Glenn. All you are, mate, is fucking Ben's Glenn."
11* When a serious fuck-up has resulted in the headmaster of Nicola's daughter's school getting sacked because of Nicola, [[EvenEvilHasStandards even Malcolm realises that this has gone too far, and it is clear he feels genuinely sorry for what's happened]], as shown by him trying to break the news to Nicola gently. Since he doesn't really have any experience being gentle and sympathetic, he is very awkward about it, and doesn't really do much to make her feel better, but it's nice to see him make the effort.
12** Even Mannion comes across as vaguely heartwarming when he refuses to run with the story about the bullying and use it; Certainly, he dresses it up as [=DoSAC=] not being worth trashing, but he continues to defend his choice even after he returns to his own offices.
13* Sam's "Happy Birthday, Malcolm!" anyone?
14** Yes! Made all the sweeter because he tries to brush her off, but you can tell his heart isn't really in it.
15* Olly on Glenn's plans to stand in the general election: "I am strangely really proud of you".
16** It's also very heartwarming to see the usually glum Glenn actually looking quite happy at the prospect. Though of course it doesn't last the episode.
17** The relationship between Glenn and Olly is generally very heartwarming. It makes Ollie's betrayal of Glenn in season four an even bigger TearJerker. A similar dynamic has emerged between Olly and Nicola, which is affected in the same way by season four.
18* In Series 3, Malcolm apologizes to Glenn for punching him in the face and gives him a hug. Although, since he's Malcolm Tucker, this might more properly be seen as NightmareFuel.
19* Malcolm running to Sam's defense when she's crying in response to him getting sacked. His entire world is imploding, and [[PapaWolf he's upset because they made Sam cry]].
20** Even more heartwarming (quite possibly in-universe for Malcolm as well) because at first it looks like Sam might possibly be in on the whole sacking thing, since she hangs up on him when he calls her for help contacting the PM. The next scene reveals that she was pretty clearly bullied into it, and looks absolutely devastated as a result.
21* When Ella's being expelled:
22-->'''Nicola:''' "I'm such a crap Mum"
23-->'''Ollie:''' "No, you're not. You're really good. You're a pathfinder Mum."
24* In the second episode of Series 4, the fact that Sam followed Malcolm into the Opposition. In an otherwise bleakly hilarious episode, it's nice to see that despite not being in power anymore and looking quite subdued, Malcolm still has Sam to rely on.
25* Malcolm's breakdown in season three and Teri's response.
26** This deserves clarification. After Malcolm makes a series of errors, Terri confronts him about it. She doesn't get angry, though, and she even asks if he's doing alright. And, after dragging Terri off to what seems like certain, agonizing doom, he finally admits that he's falling to pieces given everything that's happening in his life. He even apologizes to Terri, who forgives him. It's just a nicely unexpected moment where Malcolm can get things off his chest and get back on track.
27** A mild one during this is that Malcolm admits that he actually kind of enjoys coming down to [=DoSAC=], even if it's just to sort out yet another fuck-up on their part, because compared to all the scheming and vitriol and bile of Number 10 it's a little oasis of peace for him.
28* There's a brief one in 4.04, when Glenn comes to visit Ollie in the hospital. There is the usual snarking between them, but Glenn eventually admits that he does sort of miss Ollie, especially compared to the way [[ButtMonkey he's being treated by the current DoSAC staff,]] pointing out that "there's no humour in the cruelty anymore."
29** A rather darkly hilarious, yet oddly touching moment was at the end of the same episode, when Ollie received a congratulatory card and balloon from Malcolm over his role in destroying Nicola's career.
30* Glenn's attempt at the end of the third season to part with Nicola on good terms. He clearly still resents her for ruining his chances at standing as an MP, and this is particularly clear in season four, but at least he tries, thanking her for their time together. It's made all the more heartbreaking by her disinterest.
31* Malcolm utterly disgusted by Nicola's disrespect to the soldiers:
32-->'''Nicola:''' "Look, I don't want to show myself up in front of 5,000 uniformed pensioners"
33-->'''Malcolm:''' "I'm glad you're thinking about those pensioners cos those are the poor fuckers who gave everything so people like you could play at running the country."
34* From the final episode:
35** A brief moment - during Glenn's rant, Adam runs to defend Fergus when it looks like Glenn's about to hit him with a lamp. One of the worst people in the entire show steps in to help his friend.
36** Nicola actually apologises to Heather for telling her to fuck off after her career was ruined. Of course it doesn't fix things, but at least she made the effort.
37** Another during Glenn's rant, Peter actually looks genuinely upset as Glenn insults him and when it's done, he makes the suggestion of someone going after Glenn. Despite being on opposing ends of the political spectrum, it's clear that unlike his colleagues, Peter is taking absolutely no pleasure in watching Glenn seemingly have a breakdown and is in fact quite concerned about him.
38* In a very bizarre way, Adam and Fergus' friendship throughout Season 4 is arguably this. In a show filled with people who rarely hesitate for even one second to throw each other under the bus, the fact that these two remain a constant team and never significantly turn on each other, even as the entire department is stabbing everyone else in the back, is kind of a miracle. Especially when you consider that Fergus is a spineless idiot and Adam is among the least moral characters in the series, meaning that it actually wouldn't have been at all out of character for either of them to turn on the other.

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